Hildegarde Naughton has defended the reintroduction of exam fees this year for Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle students, reports RTE.
The charges, which were paused during the Covid period, have now been reinstated, with families required to pay €116 per Leaving Certificate student and €109 per Junior Cycle student, reports RTE.
“We absolutely understand that at the moment there are cost of living pressures”, Ms Naughton said.
However, she said she must manage her department’s budget “within the constraints”, reports RTE.
The minister said the Government could not continue “with free measures that came in during Covid time”.
“All Government departments have had to reinstate some of those charges, but we also have to acknowledge free school books and free school meals”, she said, reports RTE.
“At this point the exam fees will remain,” she added.
Students who hold a medical card, as well as those covered under a parent or guardian’s medical card, will be exempt from paying the examination fees, reports RTE.
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